14 felonies: Evanston police charge man with North Side drug operation
Officers seized 500 grams of suspected meth, four firearms, and over $1,000 in cash during a raid on a home on North Ashland Avenue.
By Andrew Hayes ·
Ernest W. Pentek, 48, faces 14 felony charges after a raid on his North Side home revealed a stash of drugs and weapons. The Evanston Police Department announced the arrest on Friday, Oct. 30, following an investigation into an alleged drug operation spanning Evanston and Chicago.
Police executed a search warrant at Pentek’s residence in the 6900 block of North Ashland Avenue. Officers found 500 grams of suspected methamphetamine and 7.1 grams of suspected heroin. The team also collected 39 suspected MDMA pills, about 2.6 pounds of suspected cannabis, and a substance identified as Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate, or GHB.
Investigators recovered four firearms and an airsoft rifle from the property. The seizure list includes ballistic protective equipment, several homemade incendiary devices, and $1,185 in cash. Evidence suggested Pentek possessed multiple weapons, according to a department press release.
The 14 felony counts include four for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. One count involves aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, specifically a shotgun with a barrel shorter than 18 inches. The remaining charges cover possession of methamphetamine and other controlled substances with intent to deliver, as well as simple possession of cannabis and other drugs.
Pentek’s initial court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 31. The Special Operations Group at the Evanston Police Department led the investigation before coordinating the search of the Chicago address.
